Local economies
The people with the plan
Barking and Dagenham LBC is now three years into a change programme that puts people at its heart. Heather Jameson talks to chief executive Chris Naylor on the story so far.
We need a deal with EU that minimises all export barriers
The Centre for Cities' latest report highlights that an industry-by-industry approach to trade is unlikely to work for cities, says Andrew Carter.
We need a real debate on local taxes
Piali Das Gupta argues that we need a more sophisticated balance of local revenue sources for local services that would reduce the pressure on any individual tax or set of taxpayers. Many other countries do it – so what are we afraid of?
Press pause on fair funding review
Crippled by austerity and uncertainty, councils are financially paralysed and facing failure. Heather Jameson says it's time to press pause on the fair funding review until central government decides on the amount of cash for local government.
Business rates 'tweaks' not enough - CBI
Industry leaders have called on politicians to look at overhauling the system of business rates.
Bringing town and gown together
David Harvey hopes the signing of a statement of intent between Westminster City Council and King's College London will enable it to increasingly tap into the skills within the university
Unfreezing social mobility
Social mobility has been stagnating for years, says a new report. How can councils help drive social mobility upwards and reduce levels of income inequality – and what’s holding them back? Ann McGauran reports
We need a public policy rewrite to fix social mobility
Donna Hall says the real burning issue at the heart of the social mobility debate is the need to fundamentally reboot the economy alongside local economies and develop a more effective national skills strategy.
Be a cautious revolutionary
Challenging existing policies and paradigms is something we should always want, argues Dan Corry. But he warns that being too enthusiastic to do away with what came before can have unintended consequences.
Enfield’s world class development plan
By retaining control of the £6bn Meridian Water project, Enfield LBC will be able to ensure it meets the needs of residents – speeding up delivery of new jobs and homes, writes Sarah Cary
Talking shop
Councils are grappling with the demands of being shopping centre owners. James Wilmore finds out how those who have invested are faring.
Keeping our green and pleasant land
People living in our rural towns and villages face specific challenges. Graham Biggs urges the governement to consider these in the Spending Review
Working together for Islington’s future
Asima Shaikh outlines the ground-breaking steps Islington LBC has been taking to reduce poverty and improve employment options for the area’s residents.
Shoring up the seaside economy
Seaside towns offer more than just nostalgia, but if we don’t act soon, communities may be forever disadvantaged. Lord Bassam explains why the Lords’ Seaside Regeneration Select Committee went on tour and what it found.
Boosting Blackpool: the main attractions
After the Lords select committee on seaside towns published its report on regeneration, Blackpool Council's Antony Lockley explains what his council is doing to boost the town for residents and tourists
Reading is ‘ahead of the game’ on BIDS
Reading’s second Business Improvement District is believed to be the first one in a town uniquely aimed at a business area.
EXCLUSIVE: Grimsey criticises speed of high streets bidding process
Retail expert Bill Grimsey has accused the Government of forcing the pace on bids to its £675m Future High Streets Fund.
Councils are often best placed to invest in commercial assets
James Cogavin says that while some councils are grabbing the headlines for the size of their investments, councils all across the country are making sensible commitments in their local areas which will benefit their communities.
Is it time to revisit Total Place?
Total Place began to drive real cross-sector (system) working, says Richard Stay. He believes the need for a focus on place has never been greater, and it’s arguably time to revisit and broaden the concept
Bucking the trend – the Durham way
Durham Council is heading towards its 10th anniversary as a unitary authority. Terry Collins explains how despite continuing economic challenges, a vision for growth is coming to fruition against a backdrop of austerity.